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Barbara Bush on Son Jeb in 2016: ‘We’ve Had Enough Bushes’

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Barbara Bush on Son Jeb in 2016: ‘We’ve Had Enough Bushes’

By Sarah Wheaton April 25, 2013 12:37 pmApril 25, 2013 12:37 pm

After having a husband and a son in the White House, Barbara Bush said she did not miss “one darn thing” about life there. And she does not want another reason to go back, even if it means depriving the country of the “best-qualified man.”

On Thursday, Mrs. Bush, the former first lady and first mom, announced on the “Today” show that she does not want her son Jeb Bush to run for president.

“He’s by far the best-qualified man, but no. I really don’t,” Mrs. Bush told Matt Lauer when asked if she wanted to see Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, make a White House bid. “I think it’s a great country, there are a lot of great families, and it’s not just four families or whatever. There are other people out there that are very qualified, and we’ve had enough Bushes.”

Since before President George W. Bush left office, the political prospects of Jeb Bush have been a constant source of speculation in Republican circles. And it seems to always be Barbara Bush and former President George H.W. Bush who put a damper on the presidential rumors.

Ahead of the 2012 presidential campaign, the elder Mr. Bush told Larry King in 2010: “I think the bottom line is, he just doesn’t want to try, doesn’t want to do it.”

(In that same interview, Mrs. Bush said of Sarah Palin, who was also thought to be considering a 2012 bid: “I sat next to her once. Thought she was beautiful. And she’s very happy in Alaska, and I hope she’ll stay there.”)

Mrs. Bush joined the wife and daughters of George W. Bush on the “Today” show ahead of the dedication ceremony for the younger Mr. Bush’s library in Dallas.

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